Steering column assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering column assembly for a vehicle, comprising a support element which is fastened to the vehicle and a sleeve element (14) which is supported on the support element and through which a steering shaft extends. Furthermore, an electromotive steering column adjustment device is provided having an adjustment part (26), by means of which the sleeve element (14) can be adjusted in the axial direction relative to the bearing element (12). Furthermore, the steering column assembly has an energy absorbing device (16), which is coupled to the bearing element (12) and to the sleeve element (14). The energy absorption device (16) has a bracket (32) for the retraction part, by means of which bracket the retraction part is fixedly coupled to the bearing element by means of the steering column adjustment device. In this case, the adjusting part (26) is permanently rigidly fixed to the carrier (32).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering column assembly according to the preamble of claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] A vehicle steering column assembly with an energy-absorbing device is known. In the event of a vehicle collision, the energy-absorbing device absorbs the impact of the driver on the steering wheel by allowing the steering shaft to move into the dashboard in an axial direction away from the driver, and by absorbing a portion of the displacement energy through plastic deformation of energy-absorbing components (e.g., rolling bars or tearing rolling bars).

[0003] Furthermore, such energy absorption devices are known, which have an elongated absorber and a contracting member with a channel for the absorber. Here, due to the relative longitudinal movement between the absorber and the contracting member and the tensile force applied to the absorber, the absorber undergoes plastic deformation in its cross-section by passing through the channel with a small cross-section.

[0004] Steering column assemblies with energy absorption devices are particularly suitable for vehicles equipped with airbags in the steering wheel, which in some countries allow driving without a seatbelt. Therefore, when a driver impacts the steering wheel or airbag, the energy absorption device must absorb most of the force acting on the driver to minimize the risk of injury. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of this invention is to provide a steering column assembly with a particularly compact design.

[0006] This objective is achieved by a steering column assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a support element fixed to the vehicle and a sleeve element supported on the support element, through which a steering shaft extends; an electrically operated steering column adjustment device with an adjustment element by means of which the sleeve element can be adjusted axially relative to the support element; and an energy absorption device coupled to the support element and the sleeve element, having an elongated absorber and a contraction member having a channel for the absorber, through which the absorber extends, and the channel having a cross-section smaller than that of one end section of the absorber. Here, the support element and the sleeve element are coupled to be longitudinally movable relative to each other during a vehicle collision, enabling relative longitudinal movement between the absorber and the contraction member, wherein, due to this longitudinal movement and the tensile force applied to the absorber, the end section plastically deforms in cross-section by passing through the channel with the smaller cross-section. Here, the absorber is fixedly coupled to the sleeve element, and the energy absorption device has a bracket for the contraction member, which is fixedly coupled to the support element via the steering column adjustment device. Here, the adjusting member is permanently and rigidly fixed to the bracket. In the sense of the invention, when the adjusting member is fitted onto the bracket without clearance (e.g., by a threaded connection), the adjusting member is permanently and rigidly fixed to the bracket. In particular, the adjusting member is not coupled to the bracket by providing a mechanism that allows for the coupling and decoupling of the two components without tools.

[0007] According to the present invention, it has been recognized that if the steering column adjustment device is directly connected to the sleeve element via the energy absorption device, no additional fixing device is required. In this way, the steering column assembly can be constructed in a particularly compact manner and can have a smaller mass and fewer parts.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the shrinkage element is a separate component mounted on a support. The advantage of this design is that the energy absorption device is modularly constructed and therefore can be adapted to different requirements at low cost. Specifically, shrinkage elements with different configurations of support can be used to provide corresponding energy absorption curves or corresponding change curves of reaction force and thus provide damping.

[0009] Additionally or alternatively, a linear guide may be provided, on which the bracket is mounted in a manner that allows it to move axially relative to the sleeve element along its longitudinal direction. This ensures defined relative movement of the sleeve element and, consequently, the steering shaft with the steering wheel, relative to a support element fixed to the vehicle.

[0010] Here, the linear guide can form an anti-relative rotation device between the support and the sleeve element in the circumferential direction of the sleeve element, so as to ensure a particularly rigid connection.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the linear guide rests against the guide surface of the bracket and / or is embedded in the guide groove of the bracket. In this way, the linear guide device is constructed efficiently and compactly.

[0012] Specifically, the absorber is not part of the linear guide in this context; that is, the linear guide is attached to the absorber.

[0013] Furthermore, the linear guide device can have at least one guide rail and thus provide effective guidance at a lower cost.

[0014] In one embodiment, the linear guide is integrally formed with a sleeve element or fastener, and the absorber is secured to the sleeve element by means of the fastener. This eliminates the need for a separate guide element known in the prior art, saving on components and manufacturing costs.

[0015] Furthermore, it can be specified that the support has a core made of metal and a shell made of plastic that at least partially surrounds the core, or that the support has a base made of plastic and at least one insert, particularly a metal insert, mounted on the base. In this way, the support can be designed to be particularly lightweight.

[0016] In an alternative implementation, the support is formed of steel alloy, aluminum alloy or die-cast zinc alloy (Zamak) and can therefore be manufactured particularly cost-effectively.

[0017] Furthermore, the energy absorption device may have a predetermined fracture element that, in the event of a vehicle collision, is destroyed when relative longitudinal movement between the absorber and the contraction member begins. This prevents unintentional relative movement and defines a minimum force that must be overcome to initiate relative longitudinal movement and thereby initiate energy absorption.

[0018] In another embodiment, the energy-absorbing device has a retainer on which the absorbing element is fixed. This ensures the defined plastic deformation of the absorbing element during a vehicle collision.

[0019] According to one aspect, the absorber has external threads and the retainer has internal threads, and the absorber and the retainer are tightened together by means of the external and internal threads. In this way, the absorber and the retainer can be defined and interconnected at a lower cost, which reduces manufacturing costs.

[0020] In addition, the energy absorption device is designed as a pre-assembled modular unit that can be integrally fixed to the sleeve element during the manufacturing of the steering column assembly, thereby keeping the assembly workload low.

[0021] Here, the pre-assembled module unit is fixed to the sleeve element in one embodiment by means of at least one screw, and thus particularly effectively.

[0022] According to one aspect, at least the said end section of the absorber is constructed only as a cylinder in the direction of longitudinal movement. Therefore, there is no deflection that consumes lateral space.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, the absorber may have multiple sections of different diameters to adjust the required deformation force accordingly during steering column movement in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0024] In addition, a section with a particularly large diameter can be provided in the rear region of the absorber to significantly increase the reaction force again near the end of the collision process, and thus effectively absorb the remaining kinetic energy.

[0025] In addition, the absorber may have sections with a tapered or frustoconical orientation along the axial direction to provide upward or downward force direction during a vehicle collision.

[0026] On the other hand, the absorber extends parallel to the longitudinal extension of the sleeve element and is thus arranged in a particularly space-saving manner.

[0027] Furthermore, it can be specified that, in the initial state prior to a vehicle collision, the absorber, from the retaining end opposite to the end section to at least the channel, has a cross-section that allows the absorber to move through the channel without plastic deformation. This means that the absorber has multiple different cross-sections from the outset. The support end with a finer cross-section can be guided through the channel for assembly without deformation during this process. Here, the section with the finer cross-section forms the passive section.

[0028] Here, the passive section can extend toward the end section through the narrowest part of the channel in the initial position, so that the deformation of the absorber begins only after the initial relative movement without deformation, and energy is absorbed by the absorber.

[0029] In one embodiment, the adjusting element includes a lead screw nut through which a motor-driven drive screw extends to drive the sleeve element. In this way, the steering column assembly can be designed particularly compactly.

[0030] In another embodiment, the energy absorption device is arranged on the outside of the sleeve element, and is therefore arranged on the sleeve element in a particularly space-saving manner. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Other advantages and features are illustrated in the following description and accompanying drawings. (See the drawings:)

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of a steering column assembly for a vehicle according to the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 2 Possible variations with energy absorption devices are shown. Figure 1 Partial detail of the steering column assembly;

[0034] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 A perspective view of the sleeve element of the steering column assembly, with the energy absorption device in its initial position;

[0035] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 An exploded view of the sleeve element with an energy absorption device;

[0036] Figure 5 Show Figure 3 A perspective view of the fasteners of the energy absorption device in the image;

[0037] Figure 6 Show Figure 3 A perspective view of the predetermined fracture element of the energy absorption device in the middle;

[0038] Figure 7 Show Figure 3 A perspective view of the support structure for the energy absorption device in the middle;

[0039] Figure 8 Show Figure 3 A perspective view of the contraction component of the energy absorption device in the middle;

[0040] Figure 9 Show Figure 3 A perspective view of the retaining element of the energy absorption device in the middle;

[0041] Figure 10 Show Figure 3 A perspective view of the absorber element of the energy absorption device in the image;

[0042] Figure 11 Show Figure 7 A perspective view of the core of the support structure;

[0043] Figure 12 Show Figure 7 A perspective view of the outer casing of the bracket;

[0044] Figure 13 Show Figure 3 A perspective view of the energy absorption device facing the sleeve element, where fasteners are not shown;

[0045] Figure 14 Show Figure 3An axial cross-sectional view of the energy absorption device in the figure, wherein the cross-section extends through the predetermined fracture element and fasteners are not shown;

[0046] Figure 15 Show Figure 3 Rear view of the energy absorption device in the middle;

[0047] Figure 16 Show Figure 3 A longitudinal sectional view of the energy absorption device in the diagram, where fasteners are not shown.

[0048] Figure 17 Shown in perspective Figure 3 The sleeve element and the energy absorption device in the triggered state;

[0049] Figure 18 A schematic cross-sectional view is shown. Figure 3 The energy absorption device in its initial position includes the absorbing component and the contracting component.

[0050] Figure 19 A perspective view shows the sleeve element and energy absorption device in the initial position of the steering column assembly according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0051] Figure 20 Shown in perspective Figure 19 Fasteners for the energy absorption device in the middle;

[0052] Figure 21 A schematic cross-sectional view is shown according to one embodiment. Figure 19 The support and guiding device for the energy absorption device in the middle;

[0053] Figure 22 A schematic cross-sectional view is shown according to another embodiment. Figure 19 The support and guide device for the energy absorption device in the middle; and

[0054] Figure 23 A schematic cross-sectional view is shown according to another embodiment. Figure 19 The support and guide device for the energy absorption device in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is intended to describe various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent only one embodiment, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. Any embodiments described in this disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0056] All features disclosed below with reference to exemplary embodiments and / or accompanying drawings may be combined individually or in any sub-combination with features of all aspects of this disclosure (including features of preferred embodiments), provided that the resulting combination of features is meaningful to those skilled in the art.

[0057] Figure 1 A steering column assembly 10 for a vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle such as a sedan) is shown.

[0058] Steering column assembly 10 has a support element 12 fixed to the vehicle, a sleeve element 14, and an energy absorption device 16 (see...). Figure 2 ) and electric steering column adjustment device 18.

[0059] The support element 12 is fixedly connected to the chassis of the vehicle via a carrier (not shown) and is thus fixedly mounted in the vehicle.

[0060] The sleeve element 14 is housed in the support element 12 fixed to the vehicle and forms a receiving portion for the steering shaft 20, which is rotatably mounted in the sleeve element 14 about axis A and can be axially adjusted together with the sleeve element to adjust the steering wheel.

[0061] Energy absorption device 16 is arranged on the radially outer side of sleeve element 14 and is fixedly connected to the sleeve element (see [link]). Figure 3 ).

[0062] Steering column adjustment device 18 has a drive screw 22 (see Figure 1 ) and adjusting element 26 (see Figure 2 The drive screw is rotatably fixed to the support element 12 and coupled to the drive motor 24 in a torque-transmitting manner. The adjusting member has a screw nut 28, through which the drive screw 22 extends, such that the drive screw and the screw nut are coupled to each other in a driving manner.

[0063] Adjustment member 26 is rigidly fixed to bracket 32 ​​of energy absorption device 16 by means of two fixing screws 30, and is therefore permanently (i.e., as long as there is a threaded connection) connected to energy absorption device 16.

[0064] Of course, in an alternative embodiment, any number of fasteners, each of arbitrary design, can be used instead of the two fixing screws 30 to permanently and thus seamlessly fix the adjusting member 26 to the bracket 32.

[0065] In this way, the sleeve element 14 can be moved relative to the support element 12 along and against the axial direction Z by means of the energy absorption device 16 via the steering column adjustment device 18, so as to adjust the sleeve element 14 together with the steering shaft 20 and the steering wheel coupled to the steering shaft 20.

[0066] The axial direction Z corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the sleeve element 14.

[0067] The following is based on Figures 3 to 18 Describe the structure and working principle of the energy absorption device 16.

[0068] In addition to the support 32, the energy absorption device 16 also has a shrinking member 34, an absorption member 36 and a retaining member 38.

[0069] Shrink member 34 has a channel 40 in the form of a through hole (see Figure 8 ).

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the shrinkage member 34 is designed as a sleeve, which allows for particularly material- and cost-effective manufacturing.

[0071] Absorbing element 36 (see Figure 16 It extends through the channel 40 in the shrink member 34 and is fixed to the retainer 38.

[0072] For this purpose, the absorber 36 has a retaining end 42 with external threads 44, and the retainer 38 has internal threads 46, so that the two components 36 and 38 are tightened together by the external and internal threads.

[0073] To simplify assembly, the absorber 36 may have an assembly geometry, such as a hexagon for a screwdriver, on which the tool can act.

[0074] The assembly geometry is formed, for example, on the end of the absorber 36 that is arranged axially opposite to the retaining end 42.

[0075] In principle, the absorber 36 can be fixed to the retainer 38 in any manner, particularly by force-locking or material-locking.

[0076] In this embodiment, the absorber 36 is a purely linearly extending rod-shaped, tubular, or wire-shaped member (see...). Figure 10 ).

[0077] In all embodiments, the absorber 36 extends in the axial direction Z parallel to the sleeve member 14, and more specifically parallel to the axis A.

[0078] exist Figure 18 The design of the energy absorption device 16 is shown as a schematic diagram. The diagram shows the initial, unmanipulated position before a vehicle collision, in which the absorber 36 is in its initial state, i.e., before deformation.

[0079] The absorber 36 has a passive section 48 with a smaller cross-section (which begins at the retaining end 42 on the retainer 38 and extends into the channel 40), an end section 50 with a larger cross-section that ends at the opposite end, and a tapered transition section 52 that connects sections 48 and 50.

[0080] The end section 50 may be configured as a cylinder along the axial direction Z. In other words, the end section 50 consists of only one or more cylindrical sections.

[0081] In an alternative implementation, the end section 50 consists only of one or more cylindrical sections and / or rotationally symmetric sections, such as conical and truncated conical sections.

[0082] Starting from the end section 50, the channel 40 first narrows in a region, for example, tapering, so that it can subsequently reach the narrowest part 54 that defines the cross-section of the channel 40.

[0083] The cross-section of passive section 48 is smaller than the cross-section of channel 40 at its narrowest point 54.

[0084] In this configuration, the absorber 36 is fixed to the sleeve element 14 by the retainer 38, while the retractor 34 is coupled to the support element 12 via the bracket 32 ​​and the steering column adjustment device 18 to be fixed to the vehicle.

[0085] In the event of a vehicle collision, the sleeve element 14 according to Figure 1 The passenger moves in the Z direction upon impact, and the retainer 38 moves together with the sleeve element. Therefore, tension is applied to the absorber 36, and the end section 50 (whose cross-section is larger than the cross-section of the channel 40 at its narrowest point 54) is at least partially pulled by the channel 40 and plastically deformed into a smaller diameter. This absorbs energy and thus provides damping.

[0086] The shrinkage member 34 is preferably made of a material harder than the absorbent member 36, at least in the region of the channel 40. Additionally, one or both of these components may also be coated.

[0087] Tensile-compressive stress exists within the deformation zone itself. The deformation process mechanism upon which this concept is based is consistent with the wire drawing process.

[0088] In an alternative embodiment, the passive section 48 extends beyond the narrowest point 54 in a direction opposite to the axial direction Z, such that the transition section 52 is spaced apart from the narrowest point 54, and the deformation of the absorber 36 only begins after the initial relative motion.

[0089] In principle, the absorption component 36 can be designed arbitrarily as long as the above functions can be guaranteed.

[0090] For example, multiple sections with different diameters can be set to adjust the required deformation force during steering column movement in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0091] Therefore, the end section 50 may have a particularly large diameter section, so as to significantly increase the reaction force again near the end of the collision process, thereby effectively absorbing the remaining kinetic energy.

[0092] In addition, a section can be designed as a cone instead of a cylinder in order to allow for a change in the curve of force rising or falling.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the energy absorption device 16 also has a predetermined breakage element 56 (see [link]). Figure 14 The predetermined fracture element connects the bracket 32 ​​and the retainer 38 in a form-locking manner, and is first destroyed by the applied shear force before the absorber 36 is deformed by the relative movement between the bracket 32 ​​and the retainer 38 during a vehicle collision.

[0094] Here, the predetermined fracture element 56 is designed in the form of a shear pin, which has two cylindrical axial sections 58 and 60 with different diameters (see...). Figure 6 ).

[0095] In principle, the predetermined fracture element 56 can be designed and / or connected to the bracket 32 ​​and the retainer 38 in any way, as long as the predetermined fracture element 56 provides a defined resistance that must be overcome first in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0096] The shrinkage member 34 is a separate component, which is connected by an axial stop 62 (see...). Figure 7 It rests against the bracket 32 ​​along the axial direction Z.

[0097] The bracket 32 ​​has a recess 64 in which the shrink member 34 is received, and a through hole 66 extends from the recess through the bracket 32 ​​along and against the axial direction Z, and the absorber 36 is guided in the through hole inside the bracket 32.

[0098] For example, the through hole 66 has an inner diameter that is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the absorption part 36.

[0099] Here, the shrinkage member 34 is inserted into the absorbent member 36 inside the recess 64 and supported on the bracket 32 ​​in such a way that the absorbent member extends through the through hole 66 and the recess 64.

[0100] In this case, the support 32 has a core 68 made of metal for reinforcing the support 32 (see...). Figure 11 ) and a plastic-made outer casing 70 (see Figure 12 ).

[0101] The core 68 has a section that forms the stop 62.

[0102] In addition, two threads 72 are formed in the core 68, and a fixing screw 30 (see...) Figure 2 It engages with the thread to ensure a stable connection between the steering column adjustment device 18 and the bracket 32.

[0103] The support 32 can be manufactured at low cost by encapsulating the core 68 with plastic injection molding to form the outer shell 70.

[0104] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 70 only partially surrounds the core 68, leaving the connecting sections (such as the stop 62 and the thread 72) exposed.

[0105] Alternatively, the core 68 can be completely surrounded by the outer shell 70.

[0106] In an alternative embodiment, the support 32 has a base made of plastic, and one or more inserts made of metal are mounted on the base for reinforcement.

[0107] Here, the insert may form a stop 62 and / or include a thread 72.

[0108] In another alternative embodiment, the support 32 is formed of steel alloy, aluminum alloy or die-cast zinc alloy (Zamak), for example integrally formed.

[0109] To ensure defined relative movement between the bracket 32 ​​and the retainer 38 or absorber 36 during a vehicle collision, and thus to ensure defined cushioning, the energy absorption device 16 also has a linear guide 74 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 17 The bracket 32 ​​is movably mounted on the linear guide relative to the sleeve element 14 in the axial direction Z.

[0110] In an alternative embodiment, the energy absorption device 16 does not have a linear guide 74, or does not have a linear guide 74 equipped with a guide element 76 specifically designed for this function. In this case, the energy absorption device 16 or other components of the steering column assembly 10 (e.g., bracket 32 ​​and absorber 36) assume the function of the linear guide 74.

[0111] In this embodiment, the linear guide 74 is formed by a guide element 76 in the form of a guide rail, which is an integral part of the fastener 78 of the energy absorption device 16 (see [link]). Figure 5 ).

[0112] In principle, the linear guide 74 can have any number of guide elements 76, each of which can be arbitrarily designed.

[0113] For example, in an alternative embodiment, the linear guide 74 may be formed by one or more guide pins arranged sequentially in the axial direction Z.

[0114] Fastener 78 is, for example, a modified stamped part made of sheet metal.

[0115] In an alternative embodiment, the linear guide 74 is part of the sleeve element 14 and is formed, for example, by an axial web on the outer side of the sleeve element 14.

[0116] In this embodiment, the bracket 32 ​​has an axial guide groove 80 designed complementary to the guide rail (see...). Figures 13 to 15 The guide rail is embedded in the axial guide groove.

[0117] Fastener 78, together with retainer 38, is secured by two screws 82 (see...) Figure 4 It is rigidly fixed to the sleeve element 14.

[0118] Thus, the linear guide 74 and the axial guide groove 80 together form an anti-relative rotation device between the support 32 and the sleeve element 14 in the circumferential direction of the sleeve element 14.

[0119] Of course, in alternative embodiments, any number of any design of fasteners can be provided instead of the two screws 82 to secure the fastener 78 and the retainer 38 to the sleeve element 14.

[0120] Here, the energy absorption device 16 is designed such that when the steering column assembly 10 is assembled, the energy absorption device 16 can be fixed to the sleeve member 14 as a pre-assembled modular unit by means of screws 82.

[0121] Fastener 78 may be part of a pre-assembled module unit.

[0122] In embodiments where the linear guide 74 is part of the sleeve member 14, the fastener 78 may be omitted.

[0123] Now refer to Figures 19 to 21 A steering column assembly 10 according to another embodiment is described. The same reference numerals are used for components known from the above embodiments, and reference is made in this regard to the preceding description.

[0124] and combination Figures 1 to 18 The described steering column assembly 10 is different. Figure 19 The energy absorption device 16 shown has a linear guide 74, which has two guide elements 76, each of which is in the form of a guide rail.

[0125] Accordingly, the bracket 32 ​​has two complementary guide slots 80 into which the guide element 76 is embedded.

[0126] As a supplement to or alternative to the guide groove 80, the bracket 32 ​​is used in another embodiment (see Figure 22 It may have a guide surface 84, on which the guide element 76 abuts, for example, planarly abuts, and is guided in the axial direction Z when the bracket 32 ​​moves relative to the sleeve element 14.

[0127] In one embodiment, the guide surface 84 and the guide element 76 are designed to ensure resistance to relative rotation between the support 32 and the sleeve element 14.

[0128] In another alternative implementation (see...) Figure 23 The linear guide 74 has three guide elements 76, which abut against the bracket 32 ​​via a correspondingly designed guide surface 84.

[0129] This provides a particularly compact steering column assembly 10.

[0130] Furthermore, the steering column assembly 10 can be manufactured cost-effectively and has a small number of parts.

[0131] Furthermore, the energy absorption device 16 is modularly designed and thus can be matched with various requirements with less effort, and provides a defined energy absorption curve, for example by installing shrinkage elements 34, absorption elements 36 and / or predetermined breakage elements 56 of different designs.

Claims

1. A steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle, the steering column assembly comprising: A support element (12) is fixed to the vehicle and a sleeve element (14) is supported on the support element, through which the steering shaft (20) extends. An electrically operated steering column adjustment device (18) with an adjusting element (26) allows the sleeve element (14) to be adjusted relative to the support element (12) in the axial direction (Z). An energy absorption device (16) coupled to the support element (12) and the sleeve element (14), the energy absorption device having an elongated absorber (36) and a contraction element (34) having a channel (40) for the absorber (36), the absorber (36) extending through the channel, and the channel having a cross-section smaller than one end segment (50) of the absorber (36). The support element (12) and the sleeve element (14) are coupled in a manner that allows longitudinal movement relative to each other during a vehicle collision, enabling relative longitudinal movement between the absorber (36) and the shrinkage element (34), wherein, due to this longitudinal movement and the tensile force applied to the absorber (36), the end section (50) undergoes plastic deformation in cross-section by passing through a channel (40) with a smaller cross-section. The absorber (36) is fixedly coupled to the sleeve element (14). The energy absorption device (16) is characterized in that it has a bracket (32) for the shrinking member (34), the shrinking member (34) being fixedly coupled to the support element (12) by means of the bracket via the steering column adjustment device (18), wherein the adjustment member (26) is permanently and rigidly fixed to the bracket (32).

2. The steering column assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shrink-fit element (34) is a separate component mounted on the bracket (32).

3. The steering column assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A linear guide (74) is provided, and the bracket (32) is mounted on the linear guide in such a way that it can move axially relative to the sleeve element (14) in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve element (14).

4. The steering column assembly (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The linear guide (74) forms an anti-relative rotation device between the bracket (32) and the sleeve element (14) in the circumferential direction of the sleeve element (14).

5. The steering column assembly (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The linear guide (74) abuts against the guide surface (84) of the bracket (32) and / or is embedded in the guide groove (80) of the bracket (32).

6. The steering column assembly (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The linear guide (74) has at least one guide rail.

7. The steering column assembly (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The linear guide (74) is integrally formed with the sleeve element (14) or the fastener (78), and the absorber (36) is fixed to the sleeve element (14) by means of the fastener.

8. The steering column assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The bracket (32) has a core (68) made of metal and a shell (70) made of plastic that at least partially surrounds the core (68), or the bracket (32) has a base made of plastic and at least one insert, particularly a metal insert, mounted on the base.

9. The steering column assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The energy absorption device (16) has a predetermined fracture element (56) that is destroyed when the relative longitudinal movement between the absorber (36) and the contraction member (34) begins in the event of a vehicle collision.

10. The steering column assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The energy absorption device (16) has a retainer (38), the absorber (36) is fixed to the retainer, and in particular, the absorber (36) has an external thread (44) and the retainer (38) has an internal thread (46), the absorber (36) and the retainer (38) are tightened together by means of the external thread and the internal thread.

11. The steering column assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The energy absorption device (16) is designed as a pre-assembled modular unit that can be integrally fixed to the sleeve element (14) during the manufacture of the steering column assembly (10), in particular by means of at least one screw (82).

12. The steering column assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least the end section (50) of the absorber (36) is constructed to be cylindrical only in the longitudinal direction (Z).

13. The steering column assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, In the initial state prior to a vehicle collision, the cross-section of the absorber (36) from the retaining end (42) opposite to the end section (50) up to at least the channel (40) allows the absorber (36) to move through the channel (40) without plastic deformation.

14. The steering column assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The adjusting member (26) includes a lead screw nut (28), through which a motor-driven drive screw (22) extends to drive the sleeve element (14).

15. The steering column assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The energy absorption device (16) is arranged on the outside of the sleeve element (14).

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